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Black Cherry Tree
Prunus serotina
Located On: Beech Valley Trail
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Bark of Black Cherry
Fruit and leaves of Black Cherry
Trunk and branches of Black Cherry
Audio pronunciation here
Leaf: Simple, alternate, 2 to 5 inches long, oval to oblong, lance shaped, serrated margins, shiny above and paler below, margins with short teeth that make it different from other Cherry Trees.
Form: Appears as normal tree, grows 60 to 80 feet tall when full grown.
Fruit:small (1/3"-1/2" diameter), containing a single seed, hang in groups, white flowers in June.
Bark: Reddish gray bark, flaky, ends lift from tree,
Location:Grows throughout the eastern United States, most commonly found in north west Pennsylvania forests. Also can be found in areas of Mexico.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, and limestone glades.
Economic/Ecological Importance:
1. Used for high quality furniture and wood trim.
2. Many birds and mammals utilize its fruit and seeds as a food source.
3. Commonly used to add sweetener to soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Dangers: The foliage of the tree can turn into the hazardous substance hydrogen cyanide.
Range of Black Cherry
Range of Black Cherry